> NBA Winners by Genre

National Book Awards Acceptance Speeches

John Barth, Winner of the 1973
FICTION AWARD for CHIMERA

In a letter to the Duke of Weimar, Goethe said, "I
am convinced that it is almost as immodest to refuse
a high distinction as stubbornly to strive to attain
it." I agree, despite the capriciousness and ephemerality
of such distinctions. We all share the Tragic View of
Literary Prizes; yet it would be boring if there were
none, and it is more agreeable to shrug them off, having
won them. A worthwhile literary prize, in my estimation,
is one that on occasion will be awarded to a writer
despite the fact that he or she deserves it.